Massachusetts Vacations

Massachusetts Vacations Idea #12: Contributed by Johanne Cassia of "Rogers & Brown House B&B".

Ipswich, Massachusetts is a hidden gem of a town. We have spectacular a beach, bird sanctuaries, Rivers,saltmarshes, clams and we are the birthplace of American History. The Mayflower colonists built Ipswich.

Ipswich has more first period homes than any town in America. We have:

• Fifty eight first period homes
• Appleton Farm - Oldest working farm in america
• Chaote Bridge - Oldest double arched stone bridge.
• Our residents initiated the Boston Tea Party.
• The fried clams you love are harvested here in Ipswich
• Earliest dairy room at Greenwood Farm

We have Crane Beach - A magnificent four mile beach of white sand and scurrying shore birds. We have many acres of salt marsh and protected bird and animal sanctuaries. We have sails and trails along the Essex Heritage trail. Many also come here to bike, canoe, kayak and golf our three golf courses.

We refurbished a 300 year old home in Ipswich 12 years ago. It is a multicultural community that we have grown to love. We were asked to be on Historic House Tour 4 years ago. The visitors asked us to open our doors so we are now the "Rogers & Brown House B&B". I decorated the walls of our home and shop in Early American decorative style. I have developed into self taught American Folk artist. We open our home and my studio to people who visit us. I think we have a very special place to offer tourists.

Massachusetts Vacations Idea #13: Contributed by The Easton Chamber of Commerce, August 2008.

Easton, Massachusetts is rich with history. The town was incorporated in 1725 and is an historical community with four National Register Historic Districts, one of which includes five buildings designed by renowned architect, Henry H. Richardson. In fact, Easton, second only to Williamsburg Virginia, has the largest National Historic District in the country. Additionally, Frederick Law Olmstead, noted landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York and the “Emerald Necklace” in Boston, designed the landscape of many estates in Easton. Tours can be scheduled through the Easton Historical Society.

Long before the first Europeans came to America, Easton was a border area of the Wampanoags and many evidences of the Native Americans remain today. In the late 1700’s Easton residents supported the Revolutionary War, and used its resources to assist the cause for freedom. Cannons for George Washington’s army were cast in “Furnace Village”, and muskets were made at a local forge that also produced some of the earliest steel manufactured in America. George Washington is believed to have spent at least two nights in Easton at taverns along Bay Road. The Benjamin Williams Tavern still stands today and one of Easton’s four milestones along Bay Road is in the front yard with the initials B.W. carved in it.

In the early nineteenth century, a man named Oliver Ames, moved to Easton and began manufacturing some of the earliest iron shovels in America. Business would prosper and by the end of the century would ultimately become the largest of its kind in the world. The Ames family greatly influenced the character and growth of North Easton with its noted architecture, their philanthropic commitments, and attentiveness to education which was a trademark of the family. Many historic materials related to the Ameses industrial and societal history can by found at the Stonehill Industrial History Center at Stonehill College in Easton.

In addition to appreciating Easton’s history, there are many modern day amenities that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. There are some great and varied restaurants ranging from Japanese, to Chinese, Thai, Irish, Spanish Tapas, American cuisine, and Easton’s own candy factory, Hilliard’s House of Candy. There is something to suit everyone tastes.

For people who enjoy the outdoors, Borderland State Park has a network of trails within its 1570 acres, great for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or dog walking. Borderland was also the site for the recent filming of a Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio film. The Natural Resources Trust runs Sheep Pasture, which offers walking trails, and farmyard animals. Frothingham Park is a great Town park with a ball field, a track, tennis courts and a playground for smaller children.

Stonehill College is a Catholic college located on a beautiful 375-acre campus in Easton, the former estate of Frederick Lothrop Ames. For families with smaller children, the Children’s Museum in Easton offers a terrific interactive indoor as well as outdoor play area. In 2008 they were awarded the Nickelodeon Parent’s Pick for Best Little Kids Museum. For golf enthusiasts Easton has two golf courses, Easton Country Club, and Pine Oaks Golf Course as well as a miniature golf course at Golf Country Mini Golf and Ice Cream.

Whether you are a history buff, a budding architect, or an outdoor enthusiast, Easton, MA is worth a visit. We hope you’ll join us soon for a great Massachusetts vacation.